Apple iOS 18.1 is officially arriving next week, bringing hearing aid software for the AirPods Pro 2 and Apple Intelligence, multiple sources report, including The Wall Street Journal and Tech Crunch. The company previously released a beta version of the update in September. Here’s what we know about iOS 18.1.
Let’s start with hearing aids. Since late 2022, companies have been allowed to sell over-the-counter hearing aids. Apple announced the new feature at its September keynote event, just days after the FDA approved it for use. It includes a test that tells people whether or not they may have hearing loss and recommends getting a professional exam if you do have hearing loss. It will also allow people to set up their AirPods as a hearing aid.
For the hearing aid aspect, the device will amplify sound and allow users to customize dynamic adjustments in real time. One obvious problem? Unlike hearing aids, wearing AirPods while talking to someone can feel like you’re not talking to them or ignoring them. But, if it helps, it’s worth it. This update could also make a big difference in accessibility for individuals with hearing loss. Hearing aids can cost thousands of dollars, while AirPods Pro 2 cost $249 (nothing special, but a lot better in comparison).
Apple Intelligence is the second major feature coming via iOS 18.1. The company first revealed its take on AI at its Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June. It includes a number of early features, including smart audio recording and transcription for apps like Mail, Notes, and Pages. It also has writing tools for things like spelling and grammar checking. Apple should release more features for its AI tools in future updates.
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